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5 Most Common Thermostat Problems Impacting Your Comfort
A comfortable home has a well-maintained and perfectly functioning heating and cooling system. If you feel any discomfort, inspect your HVAC unit immediately. It might have damaged or worn-out components that are causing the issue to persist. For instance, the thermostat might not be working as it should. This can be resolved by repairs or replacements, depending on what is causing the thermostat problems.
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Signs Of Thermostat Problems At Home
Here are a few of the signs that suggest you have a faulty thermostat problem at home:
Problem 1: Thermostat Doesn’t Reach The Set Temperature
The thermostat allows you to control your HVAC system. You can set the temperature you want, and the unit will follow what you input in the thermostat. However, if the room feels the same even after a few minutes have passed, you could have a thermostat problem. Check whether the thermostat is near any heat source, like a heat grate or a window. As your thermostat is exposed to heat, it will sense the wrong indoor temperature. It will think that the indoor environment is already hot, forcing the furnace to shut down before the set temperature is reached. Keep the thermostat away from heat sources. Use curtains to block the sunlight from windows as well.
Problem 2: Old Thermostat
Old thermostats are more likely to experience more problems. Thermostats
are made to last for a long time, but their effectiveness significantly
reduces at some point. They are harder to use, and you will have a lot
of connectivity issues. It might also be harder to clean, and the sensitivity
might also drop. Consider replacing your old thermostat with a modern
one that can improve your convenience and efficiency.
Problem 3: Thermostat Is Dirty
A thermostat should be able to read the indoor temperature correctly. If
it cannot do its job properly, it might be because your thermostat is
dirty. Dust buildup inside the thermostat can cause errors, so it needs
to be fixed right away. Open the case carefully and use a soft brush to
remove dust and dirt.
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Problem 4: Thermostat Miscalibration
Thermostats are equipped with internal sensors that were calibrated so
that they can work properly. As time passes, your thermostat’s efficiency
is reduced, and miscalibration occurs. You’ll end up experiencing
uneven heating inside your home. Your thermostat might also give the system
incorrect commands, like the fan will switch off prematurely. This problem
can cause worn-out components, high utility bills, discomfort, and shortened lifespan.
Problem 5: Thermostat Display Doesn’t Work
The thermostat has a small display screen that lets you know the HVAC system’s
current state, like the operating mode and the current temperature. Some
thermostats have a touchscreen display, so you can use it to change the
settings directly. Having a faulty display means that you cannot check
the current temperature and change the settings.
The system might have been turned off, so try switching it back on. If
that doesn’t work, it could be that your thermostat needs new batteries.
Check if there are any loose wires and incorrect connections as well.
Advantages Of A Thermostat Replacement
Replacing your malfunctioning thermostat comes with many benefits. Here are some of them:
1. Save Money On Your Heating & Cooling Costs
HVAC units consume a lot of energy. Therefore, many homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to reduce their HVAC utility bills. One of the most effective ways to do this is to replace your old thermostat with a programmable one. This way, you can adjust the settings to fit your schedule and needs. For instance, the system can lay low during office hours and come back to life when you are about to arrive home. Modern thermostats also have energy tracking features that lets you know the amount of energy you are consuming and how much your energy costs are.
2. Auto Temperature Adjustments
A programmable thermostat allows you to input the settings you want for the day in one go, and it will do so on its own automatically. This way, you don’t have to keep going to your thermostat just to change the settings. You don’t have to worry and go about your daily activities, while your thermostat will direct your system to do what is needed automatically.
3. HVAC System Optimization
You do not need to replace your whole system to get the improvement you need with your HVAC operation. You can make small but significant changes, and your thermostat is always a good place to start. This will allow you to gain the reliability, convenience, and efficiency you need without breaking the bank.
Keep in mind that although a modern thermostat will help increase your home’s comfort and efficiency, it is still essential to replace your outdated HVAC unit with a new one. A modern thermostat will work best with a new HVAC system so that you get the highest level of efficiency and comfort possible.
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4. Remote HVAC System Control
Some programmable thermostats are equipped with connectivity options that make them more convenient to use. For instance, some can be connected to your Wi-Fi so you can control your system via your smartphones even if you are not at home.
Conclusion
Thermostat issues can typically be fixed with easy solutions, like cleaning, changing its location, and replacing old batteries with fresh ones. However, sometimes you need to replace it with a new thermostat to increase the reliability and efficiency and get features like auto-adjustment and wireless connectivity. Call a dependable HVAC company like Townsend Energy to help you resolve all your thermostat problems.
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Townsend Energy provides high-quality HVAC services in the area. We only have the best professionally certified HVAC contractors who can conduct excellent HVAC services, including AC repairs, furnace replacements, boiler maintenance, and more. Each of our techs is equipped with the right tools, extensive knowledge, and years of experience to perform accurate HVAC system services all the time.
Do you need to repair or replace your thermostat? Don’t worry. Townsend Energy can help you. We offer highly competitive HVAC service rates in the area. If you need to replace your old thermostat, we can recommend the most suitable one for your home and budget. Your energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort are always our top priorities. Schedule an appointment and call Townsend Energy today to get a free, in-home estimate.
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Common Thermostat Problems Homeowners Experience
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6 Common Household Products That Pollute Your Home’s Air
Keeping your home clean and safe at all times should be one of your priorities. This includes having indoor air quality that is healthy. To achieve this, you must take a look at the household products you use at home. They might actually be contributing to indoor air pollution. You’ll be surprised to know that the products you have been using for years now might not be safe to use. Read on to find out how a few of the common household products can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality and what you can do to resolve these issues.
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What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality or IAQ is the air’s condition in an enclosed structure, such as your home or commercial space. It relates to how the air affects the occupants’ health and comfort within the house or building. If you have healthy indoor air quality, it means that you breathe easier and safer.
Your home’s IAQ should be a priority, especially if there are elderly, children, and immuno-compromised people who live in your home. Indoor air that is highly humid and/or highly polluted also poses a health risk and could lead to symptoms like allergies and respiratory issues. Therefore, it is essential that your home and all other structures have high indoor air quality standards.
Household Products That Affect IAQ
The best way to get rid of all indoor air quality problems is to know how pollutants get inside your home. You might even be using some of the household products that significantly reduce indoor air quality. Here are a few of them:
Cleaning Products
Most commercial cleaning products have a formula that contains harmful chemicals. These are detrimental to your health and the environment. These cleaning supplies typically have ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleach, and synthetic fragrances. These can reduce your home’s indoor air quality and react with other chemicals that they might mix within your home.
Solution: Choose cleaning products that have environmentally-friendly ingredients. Do away with those that have harmful chemicals, as these can reduce your home’s IAQ. If possible, use natural cleaners like baking soda or vinegar instead.
(978) 717-0490">Call Today: (978) 717-0490Paint
If you recently painted a part of your house and the smell of paint still lingers in the air, you are likely breathing in dangerous fumes. Many of the paints in the market contain VOCs, which have carbon compounds that can evaporate quickly. When in vapor form, these react with other elements and generate ozone. This adds to the air pollution you breathe in. keep in mind that the paint continues to emit VOCs until it dries.
Solution: Use low-VOC paint so that your indoor air remains clean. However, it is best to look for VOC-free paint. Your lungs will be grateful to you if you use this one instead.
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Air Fresheners
Many use air fresheners to remove bad smells in a room. However, these cans also have harmful ingredients. A few of them can produce more than 100 chemicals, many of which are toxic to our bodies. These chemicals can also mix with other elements in the air and have more harmful compounds.
Breathing even a small portion of the air freshener can result in coughing and sneezing in some people. It can also cause skin irritations, redness, and itchiness. Although this product is supposed to help freshen the air, it can reduce your IAQ instead. This is not surprising as air fresheners contain fragrances, propellants, and other additives that significantly affect your home’s air quality negatively.
Solution: Use natural ingredients to remove foul odors around your home instead of air fresheners.
Candles
They might not look like it, but candles can pose a health risk to you and your family. Fortunately, only candles made of paraffin wax are bad. Paraffin is derived from shale, petroleum, or coal oil. When paraffin wax candles are burned, carcinogenic compounds are released into the air. A study also found that paraffin wax candles generate fumes that can cause asthma and lung cancer.
Solution: Do not use candles made from paraffin wax. If you use candles a lot, opt for ones that are made of natural ingredients like beeswax.
(978) 717-0490">Call To Make An AppointmentAerosol Sprays
Aerosol products include deodorant, hairspray, perfumes, and shaving cream, to name a few. There are even cooking oils that come in aerosol spray cans. These have added chemicals like silicone that prevents foaming, artificial flavoring, and propellants. These propellants include isobutane, butane, and propane.
Sprays are made to emit tiny drops of liquid into the air. This liquid often contains harmful ingredients that are not safe to use. It was proven around 30 years ago that aerosol products pollute the air and threaten the environment.
Solution: The only way to avoid the irritants from aerosol sprays is to use them as little as possible. Most products are available in other forms that will have little to no effect on your home’s IAQ and the environment. Use these alternatives instead.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning utilizes an organic solvent instead of water to get rid of stains and foul odor from clothes and other textiles. The solutions used for dry cleaning can be toxic, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition that affects your heart, lungs, liver, or kidney. The ingredient you need to be most wary of is perchloroethylene or PERC. It is a VOC that causes harm if there is prolonged exposure. It can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Solution: If dry cleaning is necessary, unwrap all your clothes that have been dry cleaned outside. This way, the harmful chemicals are released, and you don’t end up inhaling them. Make sure that you go to a reputable dry-cleaning company and make sure to let them know if any strong odors are left on your dry-cleaned clothes.
Conclusion
Managing your indoor air quality means you are knowledgeable about the different types of products you use at home. This way, you understand which ones can cause a problem to your IAQ. Having great indoor air quality will not only be good for your health and safety, but it will also help in the proper upkeep of the environment. By doing these small things, you can make a big difference in ensuring that your home remains safe and comfortable for everyone.
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Townsend Energy provides superior HVAC services in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine. Rest assured, we have the best professionally certified and highly trained technicians who can conduct all kinds of heating and cooling services. This includes AC maintenance, ductless repairs, furnace installation, and boiler replacements, among others. All our friendly techs have extensive knowledge and experience to do accurate and prompt heating and cooling services at all times.
Our company guarantees the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. We can help increase your home’s comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. All of these can be made possible while also reducing your HVAC utility costs.
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How To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
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Carbon Monoxide Safety Reminders For This Heating Season
The frigid weather means you need to have a warm and safe home. Therefore, a well-maintained and fully-functional heating system is a must-have. Heating systems are generally durable, but it does not mean that they will stay like that forever.
The heating process includes burning fuel to produce heat. During this process, carbon monoxide or CO is also generated. You must be aware and mindful of this fact as CO poses a few risks to your household. It is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is harmful to both humans and pets. Prolonged exposure can even lead to death. Fortunately, you can do a few things to ensure that your indoor air quality is healthy and that this dangerous gas does not threaten your family. This includes installing a carbon monoxide detector.
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What Is CO And When Is It A Threat?
The CO’s lack of color and odor means our eyes and nose cannot detect it. Therefore, a CO detector is a vital tool if your home has indoor appliances that burn wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas, or heating oil.
It is also a must to have a venting system. This will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning because the toxic gas will be released outdoors instead of being breathed in. All heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, and other fuel-burning appliances should be vented and installed correctly and be well-maintained. This way, it is unlikely to have CO leakages. If there is any, then a CO detector can help catch this as soon as possible. Keep in mind that early detection means you can quickly take measures to resolve it and ensure the problem doesn’t get worse.
What’s The First Step In Carbon Monoxide Safety?
Install a top-quality CO detector and alarm. This utilizes batteries to work and should be placed near a fuel-burning appliance you have in your home. You must change the batteries with fresh ones at least every three months. It would help if you also had it tested regularly. Do these tasks before winter arrives for optimal performance.
When installing the device, make sure to read the manufacturer’s manual. Understand and follow its instructions precisely. This way, accurate tests, installation, and tune-ups are done at all times.
(978) 717-0490">Call Today: (978) 717-0490The Common Causes Of Indoor Carbon Monoxide Build-Up
A problem with your HVAC’s ventilation system can lead to CO buildup. If your heating unit has any wear and tear, it can also result in CO leaks. Maintenance ensures that these things do not happen, so your heating system must receive it at least once a year. It is also recommended that you have it checked and maintained by a professional.
Do this before the temperature drops. This will not only ensure your comfort but also keep your family away from any CO exposure threats. Call a reliable HVAC company to perform the right checks, diagnosis, and repairs. This includes removing any blockages in the vent or flue and ensuring that there aren’t any backdrafts near the heating system.
Other Common Signs Of A CO Build-Up Or Leak
Carbon monoxide buildup can be detected with alerts from your CO alarm. Other than that, it can also be evident with the exhaust your heating system releases. The exhaust’s appearance will depend on the fuel type your heating system uses. For instance, if you have an oil-burning system, there will be soot and smoke. This means CO is present. However, if you see more soot than usual, call your local, trusted technician right away.
Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide is toxic to all living things. The period of exposure and the CO saturation will dictate the severity of the symptoms you will have. Mild symptoms will lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Moderate CO poisoning will lead to you feeling confused, disoriented, and drowsy. At the same time, severe symptoms include convulsions, heart failure, fainting, and death.
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What To Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Exposure
When you or anyone in your family feel any symptoms from CO exposure, the first thing you should do is turn off all fuel-burning appliances immediately. Open all windows and doors as well. This way, fresh air can circulate. After doing these tasks, head outside immediately.
Follow these steps the moment you hear an alarm from your CO detector. Do not think it might be sending false alarms. After all, your safety should always be your priority.
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Conclusion
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to severe repercussions. Therefore, preventive measures should be put in place to ensure that it does not become an issue that your home experiences. Ensure that you have a well-maintained CO detector at home. It is also recommended to have your heating system maintained every year. Book this ahead of the heating season, so you have a CO-safe home environment at all times.
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When searching for superior HVAC services in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine, call Townsend Energy. Our highly skilled and trained professionally certified technicians can repair, maintain, install, and replace any HVAC system. Rest assured all our techs are equipped with the knowledge and training to conduct accurate and timely services in your HVAC system.
Townsend Energy guarantees affordable heating and cooling service costs in the area. We offer maintenance services that can improve not only your overall comfort but also your energy efficiency. We can recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly replacement system for your home as well. All our work comes with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment with Townsend Energy for a free, in-home estimate.
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How A Carbon Monoxide Detector Can Save Your Life
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3 Reasons Your Furnace Is Rusting
Rust is the yellowish- or reddish-brown flakes that coat steel or iron. It forms through a process called oxidation. Rust is most common in places that have high humidity. Using your furnace can create an imbalance in the temperature inside any enclosed space. This will generate some moisture that can significantly affect even the most durable and well-built heating equipment.
You might extend your system’s lifespan if you do not use it. However, that is not possible if you live in a place that experiences frigid weather. You could only delay rust in furnace although it will eventually occur. After all, furnace rust is a common occurrence.Read on to know more about the common reasons behind this issue.
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What Causes Rust In A Furnace?
The top three causes of rust in your heating unit include:
What Are The Risks Of Rusty Furnaces?
Rust will happen to your furnace eventually. It might take a while, but rust will take over your heating system as time passes. Fortunately, you can do a few things to ensure that it doesn’t happen sooner than expected so you can use your system longer. The most important thing is for you to observe your system carefully. Here are a few of things that will happen if you leave your furnace to rust:
Annual Furnace Maintenance
Yearly furnace tune-ups include conducting a thorough inspection of your system. It is an affordable service that is significantly more practical than replacing your whole heating unit. During a maintenance check, a professional HVAC technician will perform many tasks. They will also check the system for rust. This way, you can be sure that your system will operate effectively and safely when you need it the most.
Clogged Burner Jets
Rust will hasten your system’s degradation. This means that the burner jets will get clogged and will work less efficiently. It will also need more fuel to provide you the required heat to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, its inefficient performance can also result in a significant increase in carbon monoxide, which is toxic to both humans and pets.
- Water Leaks Or High Humidity: Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is the most common cause of rust. Some places have higher humidity than others because of the environment. You might aggravate the situation inside your home by unintentionally adding more water into the air. This happens when there are water leaks.
- AC Leaks: Another cause of rust is a water leak caused by a piece of equipment directly connected to your furnace. The air conditioner produces condensation during the cooling process. Centralized ACs are integrated with the furnace ductwork. As a result, A/C leaks can trickle down into your heating system.
- Furnace Exhaust Issues: The furnace’s heat generation process can result in rust. This is because it causes high humidity in the area. The hot air from the furnace cools when it leaves the burner. Thus, moisture is created in the system’s interior.
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Furnace Fuel Supply Lines
Rust can damage the fuel supply lines. When this happens, fire or explosion can occur, which is a perilous situation to be in. This puts your family at serious risk.
This is why rust is especially dangerous to have in your system. It is more than just an unwanted and unsightly color to your system because it poses an actual threat to your household. When you notice that the exterior has rust, it might be too late as the system interior might already be corroded by rust.
Repair Furnace Issues Promptly
Other than regular annual maintenance, you should also ensure that all issues are repaired immediately. This will determine the reason for the rust building in your heating system. Ensure that the conditions that create rust are resolved or eliminated as quickly as possible. Once these problems are fixed, have all corroded parts repaired or replaced as well.
In some cases, your system might require more than just repairs. The price to ensure they are back to perfect working condition might not be worth it. Even at their highest efficiency level, older systems are less efficient than a new unit that operates at less-than-peak efficiency. Consult a professional HVAC technician to help you with all your rusty furnace problems.
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Heating professionals know that every homeowner has different situations. They can provide you with various cost-effective solutions that are easy to understand. This way, you can choose which one best fits your needs. What is essential is to keep rust at bay so that you can use your furnace for a long time. Keep in mind that once rust appears, the solution narrows down significantly. Sometimes, replacing your heating system becomes the only solution to keep you safe and warm.
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For all your HVAC services needs, do not hesitate to contact Townsend Energy. Our company has the best professionally certified technicians throughout New England. All of our technicians can perform high-quality heating and cooling services, such as installations, repairs, tune-ups, and replacements. Rest assured that they are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced to accurately and promptly service your HVAC unit.
Townsend Energy offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We provide maintenance services that can help increase your home’s level of comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We can also help you find the most suitable replacement unit that also fits your budget. All our work is backed with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment by calling Townsend Energy today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
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Rust In Furnace: Causes & Solutions
